15

Static equilibrium of rigid bodies

The apparatus consists of a meter stick with sliding hangers, a mass set, a stand and table
clamp, and an electronic balance.
The purpose of the experiment is to study the conditions for static equilibrium
X

F~ = 0,

~ = 0

Examine the apparatus shown in the figure, with a meter stick pivoted about its center of
mass at the 50 cm mark, and two masses attached with lever arms ~r1 and ~r2 . The combined
mass of the clamps, hangers and disk weights are m1 and m2 respectively. These exert
forces
~1 = m1 ~g ,
F
F~2 = m2 ~g
on the stick, and torques
~1 = ~r1 F~1 ,

~2
~2 = ~r2 F

that stick out of and into the paper respectively. Both the normal force (upward) and
weight of the stick ( M g downward) produce no torques about the pivot point. The torques
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of the two masses cancel if the stick does not angularly accelerate
~r1 F~1 + ~r2 F~2
and since the forces are perpendicular to the lever arms,
m 
1
r1
m1 g r1 = m2 g r2 ,
r2 =
m2


1
This means that for fixed m
m2 , the lever arm r2 needed to balance the stick varies linearly
with the lever arm r1 , a condition readily checked.

Suppose that the pivot point is located a distance L from the center of mass of the meter
stick, as in the figure below

taking torques about the pivot point we obtain

m1 g r1 + M g L = m2 g r2
which gives us the corresponding formula
r2 =

m 
1

m2

r1 +

ML
m2

and so for a fixed pair of masses m1 and m2 , if we change r1 keeping the stick in static
 
m1
equilibrium, we expect r2 to vary according to this expression; linearly with slope m
2
L
and intercept M
m2 . By checking that this is true we verify the validity of Newtons law for
static equilibrium.

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15.1

Experimental procedure

You will use three sliding clamps in the experiment. All three should have the same mass,
but to be on the safe side, label them 1, 2 and 3 and determine their masses. You will need
to mass hooks as well, label them 1 and 2 and determine their masses. Obtain the mass M
of the meter stick as well.
Begin the experiment by placing slider 2 at the 50 cm mark, with m1 = 100 g+slider1 +hook1
at the 5 cm mark and m2 = 200 g + slider2 + hook2 at a point that brings the whole system
into balance. Now carefully measure the lever arms r1 and r2 .
For the next measurement move m1 to the 10 cm mark, and place m2 at a point that reestablishes equilibrium. Again record the lever arms r1 and r2 .
Continue in the way, each successive measurement moving m1 closer to the center of the
stick in 5 cm increments, until the data table has been filled.
Analyze the data by plotting r2 versus r1 and computing the slope
 and intercept of the line
1
of best fit. Compare the results to the theoretical curve r2 = m
m2 r1 .
The entire set of measurements should now be repeated with the supporting slider (number two) placed at the 60 cm mark, for which L = 10 cm. Once again begin with m1
at the 5 cm mark, and place m2 accordingly. Again plot r2 versus r1 and obtain
 the slope
ML
1
and intercept of the line of best fit, comparing it to the theoretical curve r2 = m
m2 r1 + m2 .

15.2

Pre-lab questions

1. Consider the meter stick below, pivoted about the 0 cm mark.

If the stick is released from this position, determine the instantaneous angular acceleration
about the pivot point.
In all of the following questions, take the figure below to be literally true, in other words
compute all lever-arm distances from the markings on the ruler. Let the mass M of the
meter stick be M = 0.1 kg, and let m1 = 0.2 kg.

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2. Compute the mass m2 needed to maintain equilibrium by computing torques about the
pivot point at the 62 cm mark.
3. Now compute the force N that the pivot point must exert to maintain vertical equilibrium.
4. Compute the sum of all clockwise torques about the 0 cm mark (the left end of the
stick). Compute the sum of all counter-clockwise torques about this point as well. Notice
that these two torques are also in balance. Four forces have non-zero torques about this
point.

15.3

Lab report

95

Static equilibrium of a rigid body

Experimenter 1

Experimenter 2

Experimenter 3

Experimenter 4

Mass of slider1 =

Mass of slider2 =

Mass of slider3 =

Mass of hook1 =

Mass of hook2 =

Mass of meter stick M =

m1 =

m2 =
Table 1: Meter stick pivoted at center

r1 (cm)

r1 (cm)

Slope a of r2 versus r1 =

a =

Intercept b of r2 versus r1 =

b =

|a m1 |
m1
m2

100% =
Table 1: Meter stick pivoted off-center

r1 (cm)

r1 (cm)

Slope a of r2 versus r1 =

a =

Intercept b of r2 versus r1 =

b =

|a m1 |
m1
m2

100% =

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